新雪(しんせつ)

Composed of 新(しん) (new) + 雪(せつ) (snow). Refers specifically to recently fallen snow that is still soft and untouched. Important in skiing and winter sports contexts, where 新雪(しんせつ) is highly prized for its powdery texture.

Common collocations

• 新雪(しんせつ)が積(つ)もる: fresh snow piles up
• 新雪(しんせつ)の上(うえ): on top of fresh snow
• 新雪(しんせつ)を踏(ふ)む: to step on fresh snow
• 一面(いちめん)の新雪(しんせつ): a blanket of fresh snow

Similar words

• 粉雪(こなゆき): powder snow — emphasizes the light, dry texture rather than freshness
• 残雪(ざんせつ): lingering snow — snow left over from a previous snowfall, the opposite of new snow
• 積雪(せきせつ): accumulated snow — refers to snow cover depth, regardless of when it fell

Usage

Not to be confused with the homophone 親切(しんせつ) (kindness) or 新設(しんせつ) (newly established).